May 29th, 2012

Hello Father,

 

A lot of weird stuff has happened this past week and right now its kind of an unusual situation. So last Wednesday I received my new companion, Elder Monsen, no relation. We were assigned the Farr West stake and the elders in Plain City were Hubman and Carron. 3 days later elder Hubman went home because of health issues, so we went back to the normal area with 2 stakes and I am now in a trio with Elders Monsen and Carron. And we live in the new apartment in Plain City which is a very nice place. It has been good so far, but we will see what happens. We are planning on going on a lot of splits so that we can cover more ground with 3 of us.

 

Memorial Day was tough. Most people were out of town so it was hard to meet with people. We did a little bit of meeting with people which was pretty helpful.

 

I do not have much time today to write. We are teaching the same people right now, but are focusing a lot on finding more people. Since I know the area, I have pretty much been senior the past week and will probably be senior the next week or two. Some of our investigators are getting pretty close, I can feel the baptismal water already. I will talk more about it next week when I have more time.

 

Love you!

Elder Connell

May 22nd, 2012

Hey Britt,

There was a whole bunch of stuff I was going to ask you about, but I always seem to forget when I come to write emails. I think one was whether or not you still have my old phone and whether or not it had all my contacts in it. If not then thats cool as well. Also, do you remember the name of the card game where it has those really crazy rules and each game you make up new rules? Other than that just an update with whats going on back home would be cool. I also got some pictures to add for all of you to enjoy. And also keep up my facebook so that people know to write me and where to write to.

Other than that there is not much else that is new. Tomorrow is transfers, I am staying in Farr West and my companion is going to Logan so I am getting a new companion which will be interesting. So all of our investigators are pretty much the same. Cassandra is still progressing very well, however, she will not be in my area anymore so she will be taught by completely different missionaries. I am hoping to go to her baptism in July though.

So the pictures: the first two were from when I was in Clinton. Those were the things we used to play capture the flag with in district meeting. It was fun, but I dont have the sword thing anymore. The third picture is of a mail box that is sitting 20 feet in the air!! Its funny because it says air mail on it so I had to take a picture. The last one is of me and Elder Campbell who is in my district. There are more but i will send them to mom.

Love ya!

 

Elder Connell

Goofball

Prettyyyy funny!

April 27th, 2012

Dear Family,

Hey ya'll! I just got mom and Britt's letters today. I also got your package, Britt. Thank you so much for that, they are some sweet songs.

So I don't know all the investigators in this area yet, but I know most of them. The most recent is Cassandra Reese. We have taught her twice so far and they have both gone well. Her brother is the one who was baptized 6 months ago and now wants to get his whole family baptized. If only we could all be as good of missionaries as he is. We already have a date for one of his brothers for May 5th. Pretty sweet stuff. As for Cassandra, all she needs to do is recognize what the Spirit feels like in her own life and she will be baptized.

I met 2 other investigators recently as well. Bill and Joy Croft. They know the church is true, but are caught up in 'Word of Wisdom' issues and dealing with the members here...A lot of them will stick to themselves and will not really serve others when this church is very much about service. Well anyways, that is Bill and Joy, hopefully soon they can get over those things and get baptized.

I believe the other investigators I have either already talked about, or I haven't met them yet. We have a ton of potentials right now, so in a month hopefully the numbers will go through the roof!

So there is one thing that I am trying to focus on as a missionary. The Spirit. As you know, the Spirit is felt differently for everyone. It is sometimes hard for me to recognize the Spirit, so what I am trying to do is master that skill in recognizing the Spirit. By doing that, I can be able to listen to promptings and follow them, which will help me greatly in teaching. It is similar to a Jedi trying to master the powers of the force. Not exactly the same, but I think it's cool.

It is pretty cool to hear what is going on back home. I'm glad you guys are grateful I am out. It means a lot to have good support back at home. And about what you guys should do about jobs...God knows, so ask him, especially ask at the Temple and at church, because the Spirit is strong there. God will tell you what to do, you just got to have faith. And Brittany, about that girl taking the lessons, that's really cool. Just keep being her friend and loving her. Be sure to have the missionaries over lots too because they have a strong Spirit. Members tell us that all the time. We also have great power, so get them to place a blessing on the house often because they have significant power. That goes for any Priesthood blessing as well. I learn quite a bit of things out here on my mission. Serving in Utah definitely has its ups, I have learned quite a bit so far about the church and missionary work and much more. My testimony is strengthened every day.

So yeah, I hope all of you guys are doing well back at home. I am working hard out here and I am loving it. Time has gone by quick so far and I hear it only goes by faster. Again, I am so grateful for your love and support. Be sure to encourage all the Priests to serve missions, because it will change their lives. Especially if they come to Ogden. I told you Connor Walz is serving here now, right? I know him back in AZ, if his name isn't familiar. Anyway, until next time folks, see you on the other side!

Love,
Elder Connell

1 Nephi 13:22 "And I said unto him: I know not."

Sometimes we have to be humble and admit that we don't know the answer. Better to say you don't know instead of lying (2 Nephi 9:34).

---------------------------------------------

We all agreed, here at home, that Zach is clearly on a Spiritual "high", which is good! He seems to be learning a lot, and gaining a lot from this. I, for one, have never heard Zach talk like this before, all spiritual and what-not, but it's pretty cool. He does still have a long ways to go, but he'll get there..he may think he has grown so much thus far, but he's only at the beginning, there is much more to come. Pray that he may continue to gain strength and learn to recognize the Spirit better as he is out there serving the Lord, and bringing others to Christ.
~Brit